GRM Launches A Bold New Venture!

It’s a cold, early Monday morning. Outside an unmarked mobile cafe, two GRM employees huddle for warmth while waiting for their morning orders. Dr. Tony Simms, Chief Strategy Officer, has already placed his order—a large latte. Bruce Beikman, Communications Director, is next in line. He glances up at the young woman smiling behind the counter.

“Hi! Welcome to Opportunity Coffee and Cafe! What can I get started for you?” she chirps. Her name tag reads “Destiny,” a guest in GRM’s social enterprise program who’s spent the past few weeks mastering the art of coffee and customer service.

Bruce grins, a little sheepishly. “Well, I’m usually a flat white kind of guy. Is that ok, or a little too adventurous?”

Destiny’s eyes light up. “Absolutely! One flat white coming right up!” She turns expertly, and begins preparing his order, moving with a newfound confidence that only weeks ago seemed out of reach.

Since joining Opportunity Coffee and Cafe, Destiny and her fellow program participants have been learning everything from espresso pulling to the essentials of customer care, under the guidance of our business coach from Blessed Grounds. In just a short time, they’ve taken ownership of this cozy little mobile cafe. Soon, it’ll be open to the public, with even bigger plans on the horizon—a permanent brick-and-mortar location slated to open in the summer of 2025. For now, these “orders” are open to staff only—practice rounds as they hone their skills under the watchful eye of our expert business coach. 

Opportunity Coffee and Cafe, GRM’s first social enterprise program, is a dream we’re thrilled to finally bring to life. Years in the making, this cafe represents a groundbreaking approach to aftercare. More than a training program, it’s a launchpad for guests ready to build a stable future. With five guests currently enrolled, they start with our amazing Workforce Development staff and then culinary certification from Pima Community College, each trainee is mastering every detail of running a cafe—from making a perfect latte to handling inventory and time management. 

“Through this program, our guests aren’t just learning hard skills; they’re developing the soft skills needed to succeed in a work environment,” Tony says, “From inventory management to time management and sales, our program combines classroom-based knowledge with real-world experience. The goal is to build confidence, ability, and readiness for the workforce.”

The mobile cafe is only the beginning. Operating in 12-week terms, four times a year, this training model gives each cohort the hands-on experience needed to thrive in a professional environment. Blessed Grounds, our valued business coach, has developed an intensive barista training program to ensure each participant leaves with practical skills.

By the summer of 2025, GRM is planning to open a brick-and-mortar full-service cafe, offering a more extensive platform for hands-on learning and offering an excellent product to the community.

Social enterprise is the key to expanding our mission. “Moving from homelessness to wholeness requires stability, income, and a supportive community,” Tony explains.

“Opportunity Coffee and Cafe provides this space, where guests can learn in a safe, encouraging environment. All revenue from the cafe will go back into funding further training, making the program sustainable and self-supporting.”

As the program grows, GRM will also bring in a business liaison to connect participants with local employers. This role will help ensure that guests leave the program with the skills, confidence, and connections they need to pursue stable employment.

Once guests complete their time in the cafe, they’ll continue through GRM’s Workforce Development program, where they’ll focus on resume building, interview preparation, and job placement.

The journey from homelessness to stability is challenging, but GRM’s social enterprise program is designed to make that path smoother. As Tony puts it, “We’re here to make sure that when our guests leave, they’re ready to succeed—not just in a job, but in life.”